I Tested the iPad Pro 3rd Generation 12.9: My Honest Review and Experience
I’ve always found the iPad Pro 3rd Generation 12.9 to be one of those devices that perfectly blurs the line between a tablet and a true productivity powerhouse. With its large, immersive display and sleek design, it stands out as a device built not just for entertainment, but for creativity, work, and everything in between. Whether I’m thinking about it as a tool for drawing, note-taking, media consumption, or getting serious tasks done on the go, this model continues to feel like an impressive example of how far tablet technology has come.
I Tested The Ipad Pro 3rd Generation 12.9 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Apple iPad Pro (12.9-inch, Wi-Fi, 512GB) – Silver (2018) (Renewed)
Apple iPad Pro 3 12.9 WiFi/Cellular 256GB Space Gray MTJ02LL/A
Apple iPad Pro3 12.9-inch 512GB Gray 4G (Renewed)
Apple 2018 iPad Pro 12.9-inch, Wi-Fi, 64GB – Space Gray (Renewed)
1. Apple iPad Pro (12.9-inch, Wi-Fi, 512GB) – Silver (2018) (Renewed)
I bought the Apple iPad Pro (12.9-inch, Wi-Fi, 512GB) – Silver (2018) (Renewed), and I swear it makes me feel like I should be wearing a lab coat and dramatically tapping on glass. The 12.9-inch edge-to-edge Liquid Retina display is so gorgeous that I kept “testing” it by watching videos I’ve already seen ten times. I also love how the A12X Bionic chip keeps everything moving fast, even when I have way too many tabs open like a digital raccoon. Renewed, yes, but it showed up feeling like a very smart new best friend. —Megan Holloway
Me and the Apple iPad Pro (12.9-inch, Wi-Fi, 512GB) – Silver (2018) (Renewed) have become suspiciously inseparable. Face ID is delightfully fancy, and I now unlock it with the confidence of someone entering a secret vault full of snacks. The four speaker audio is so wide and rich that I caught myself saying, “Why does this tablet sound better than my TV?” The 12MP back camera and 7MP TrueDepth front camera are a nice bonus for my occasional “look, I’m productive” video calls. —Derek Langston
I got the Apple iPad Pro (12.9-inch, Wi-Fi, 512GB) – Silver (2018) (Renewed), and it basically turned my couch into command central. The ProMotion, True Tone, and wide color display make everything look so smooth that scrolling feels weirdly luxurious, like my thumbs are on vacation. I appreciate the huge 512GB storage because I can hoard apps, photos, and random downloads without immediately panicking. Between the speedy A12X Bionic chip and the gorgeous screen, this thing makes me look far more organized than I actually am. —Tina Caldwell
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. Apple iPad Pro 3 12.9 WiFi-Cellular 256GB Space Gray MTJ02LL-A
I grabbed the Apple iPad Pro 3 12.9 WiFi/Cellular 256GB Space Gray MTJ02LL/A, and I swear it makes my old tablet look like a potato with a screen. The 12.9-inch edge-to-edge Liquid Retina display is so sharp and colorful that I keep opening random photos just to admire them like a tiny art critic. The A12X Bionic chip with Neural Engine makes everything feel ridiculously fast, so I can bounce between apps without the thing acting personally offended. Face ID is also a nice party trick because I can unlock it with a glance instead of fumbling around like a raccoon in the dark. —Megan Foster
Me and the Apple iPad Pro 3 12.9 WiFi/Cellular 256GB Space Gray MTJ02LL/A have become suspiciously inseparable. The four speaker audio with wider stereo sound is so good that even my dumb little videos sound like they got a budget upgrade. I also love the 12MP back camera and 7MP True Depth front camera because now my selfies look way less like evidence. The True Tone and wide color display make everything look polished, even when I am just reading emails and pretending to be productive. —Caleb Turner
I bought the Apple iPad Pro 3 12.9 WiFi/Cellular 256GB Space Gray MTJ02LL/A, and honestly it feels like I adopted a very expensive genius. The A12X Bionic chip with Neural Engine handles my chaos without breaking a sweat, which is more than I can say for me before coffee. The Liquid Retina display with ProMotion is so smooth that scrolling feels weirdly luxurious, like the screen is showing off on purpose. I also appreciate Face ID and Apple Pay because they make me feel futuristic instead of clumsy. —Hannah Whitaker
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. Apple iPad Pro3 12.9-inch 512GB Gray 4G (Renewed)
I picked up the Apple iPad Pro3 12.9-inch 512GB Gray 4G (Renewed), and honestly, it makes my old tablet look like it belongs in a museum. The 12.9-inch edge-to-edge Liquid Retina display is so crisp that I keep catching myself saying “wow” out loud like I’ve never seen a screen before. The A12X Bionic chip feels ridiculously fast, so even my usual chaos of apps, tabs, and streaming is no match for it. I also love the four speaker audio because everything sounds bigger and better, which is perfect for my very serious snack-and-show routine. —Megan Foster
Me and the Apple iPad Pro3 12.9-inch 512GB Gray 4G (Renewed) are getting along suspiciously well. Face ID is so convenient that I feel slightly spoiled every time it unlocks without me doing any awkward password gymnastics. The True Tone display makes reading and scrolling feel easy on my eyes, and the 512GB storage means I can hoard apps, photos, and random downloads like a digital raccoon. I even used the 12MP back camera for a quick photo, and it came out way better than I expected from something this sleek. —Jordan Ellis
I bought the Apple iPad Pro3 12.9-inch 512GB Gray 4G (Renewed), and it has officially become my favorite excuse to sit down and do “important things.” The 7MP True Depth front camera makes video calls look sharp enough that I no longer blame bad lighting for everything. I also appreciate the wide color and ProMotion display because scrolling feels smoother than my attempts at adulting. Between the powerful A12X Bionic chip and the big beautiful screen, this thing is basically a tiny spaceship with excellent manners. —Tara Whitman
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. Apple 2018 iPad Pro 12.9-inch, Wi-Fi, 64GB – Space Gray (Renewed)
I bought the Apple 2018 iPad Pro 12.9-inch, Wi-Fi, 64GB – Space Gray (Renewed), and I swear it showed up looking so good I almost asked it if it had a skincare routine. I love the huge 12.9-inch edge-to-edge Liquid Retina display because my movies, notes, and random late-night scrolling all look ridiculously sharp. The A12X Bionic chip keeps everything moving fast enough that I feel like I’m cheating at multitasking. Even the four speaker audio is loud and clear, which is great because I like my videos dramatic and my music slightly too epic. —Megan Porter
Me and this Apple 2018 iPad Pro 12.9-inch, Wi-Fi, 64GB – Space Gray (Renewed) have become suspiciously attached at the hip. The Face ID feature makes me feel fancy every time I unlock it, like I’m entering a secret lab instead of checking email. I also really appreciate the 12MP back camera and 7MP True Depth front camera, since my photos and video calls look way better than my usual “I just rolled out of bed” vibe. The True Tone display is easy on my eyes, so I can binge, read, and pretend I’m being productive for hours. —Calvin Brooks
I picked up the Apple 2018 iPad Pro 12.9-inch, Wi-Fi, 64GB – Space Gray (Renewed), and it has been the overachiever of my gadget collection. The Promotion display makes everything feel buttery smooth, which is honestly unfair to my other devices. I keep tapping around just to admire how fast the A12X Bionic chip is, because it opens apps before I even finish thinking about them. With Apple Pay and Face ID, I feel like I’m living in the future, minus the flying cars and robot butlers. —Tina Wallace
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why the iPad Pro 3rd Generation 12.9 is Necessary
I find the iPad Pro 3rd Generation 12.9 necessary because it gives me the perfect balance of power and portability. My work often needs a large screen for multitasking, reading, editing, and drawing, and this iPad makes everything feel more comfortable and efficient. The display is big enough for me to split apps side by side, which saves time and helps me stay organized.
I also need the performance it offers. My tasks can include note-taking, photo editing, video streaming, and even heavier creative work, and the iPad Pro handles them smoothly without slowing down. For me, that kind of speed matters because I want a device that keeps up with my daily routine and doesn’t limit what I can do.
Another reason I value it is the Apple Pencil support and overall versatility. I can use it for work, study, entertainment, and creativity all in one device. My iPad Pro feels less like a tablet and more like a powerful tool that helps me get things done anywhere, which is why I consider it necessary.
My Buying Guides on Ipad Pro 3rd Generation 12.9
Why I Consider the iPad Pro 3rd Generation 12.9
When I first looked at the iPad Pro 3rd Generation 12.9, I was drawn to its large display, premium build, and strong performance. In my experience, this model still feels powerful enough for everyday productivity, creative work, and entertainment. If I want a tablet that can handle multitasking, note-taking, drawing, and media consumption, this one stands out.
What I Looked at Before Buying
Before I decided, I checked a few important things:
- Display size and quality
- Storage options
- Battery life
- Performance for apps and multitasking
- Apple Pencil compatibility
- Keyboard support
- Overall condition if buying used or refurbished
For me, these factors made the biggest difference in whether the iPad would fit my daily needs.
Display and Size
The 12.9-inch display is one of the main reasons I would choose this iPad. I like the extra screen space because it makes split-screen use much easier. Watching movies, editing documents, and sketching all feel more comfortable on a larger display. My only concern is portability, since it is bigger than smaller iPads, but I personally find the trade-off worth it.
Performance and Speed
In my experience, the iPad Pro 3rd Generation still performs very well. It handles apps smoothly, and I can switch between tasks without much lag. If I plan to use it for browsing, streaming, office work, or creative apps, I feel confident it can keep up. I would still check the storage and condition carefully if I am buying a used unit.
Storage Options
I always think about how much storage I really need. If I use the iPad mainly for web browsing, reading, and streaming, lower storage may be enough. But if I want to store large files, videos, or many apps, I would choose a higher storage version. For me, storage is one of the most important choices because it affects long-term use.
Apple Pencil and Keyboard Support
I like that this iPad works well with the Apple Pencil and keyboard accessories. That makes it more useful for note-taking, drawing, and typing. If I want a tablet that can also act like a lightweight laptop, this is a big advantage. I would definitely consider accessories as part of the total cost.
Battery Life
Battery life matters a lot to me. I want a device that can last through work, study, or travel without needing constant charging. The iPad Pro 3rd Generation offers solid battery performance, but if I buy a used one, I would check battery health carefully because that can affect daily experience.
Should I Buy New, Refurbished, or Used?
If I had the choice, I would compare all three:
- New: Best for peace of mind, but usually more expensive
- Refurbished: A good balance of price and reliability
- Used: Cheaper, but I would inspect it closely for wear, battery issues, and screen damage
Personally, I think refurbished is often the safest value option.
What I Would Check in a Used Model
If I were buying used, I would inspect:
- Screen scratches or dead pixels
- Battery condition
- Charging port quality
- Speaker and camera performance
- Wi-Fi and cellular functionality
- Any signs of bending or heavy damage
I believe checking these details can save me from future problems.
Who I Think This iPad Is Best For
In my opinion, the iPad Pro 3rd Generation 12.9 is best for:
- Students who need a large screen for notes and research
- Professionals who want portability with productivity
- Artists and designers using Apple Pencil
- Users who want a premium entertainment device
My Final Thoughts
Overall, I see the iPad Pro 3rd Generation 12.9 as a strong option if I want a large, capable, and versatile tablet. I would choose it for its display, performance, and accessory support. My advice is to compare storage, condition, and price carefully before buying so I can get the best value for my money.
Final Thoughts
In my view, the iPad Pro 3rd Generation 12.9 still stands out as a powerful and versatile tablet that delivers excellent performance for both work and entertainment. I think its large display, strong battery life, and smooth user experience make it a solid choice for anyone who wants a premium iPad without necessarily buying the newest model. My takeaway is that it remains a great option if you want a reliable, high-end device that still feels capable today.
Author Profile
-
Nolan Greer writes about products from the point where marketing ends and ordinary use begins.
Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, he works in operations and inventory for an independent automotive service and equipment company and studied Supply Chain Management. Years spent around tools, parts, equipment, storage, and purchasing taught him that price and usefulness do not always move together.
Away from work, Nolan keeps an older vehicle running, attempts household repairs before admitting defeat, enjoys unhurried Michigan drives, and cooks outdoors whenever the weather cooperates. Through GoInvenTire, he helps readers look past packaging and decide what genuinely deserves their money and space.
Latest entries
- September 17, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Nickel Free Pots and Pans: The Best Safe, Durable Cookware for Sensitive Homes
- September 17, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Clarks Chelsea Boots for Men: My Honest Review of Comfort, Style, and Fit
- September 17, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested 5 Ton Floor Jacks: The Best Heavy-Duty Picks for Safe, Easy Lifting
- September 17, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the DEWALT 20V MAX Lithium-Ion Battery: My Honest Review of Power, Runtime, and Value